July 2014 Notable Toys — Robotics

Build a working electric fan using a circuit that consists of a fan blade rotor, electric motor, LED, resistor, switch, and battery holder. Learn how motors work, the role each electronic component plays in the circuit, and how fan blades push air to make wind.
— In a January 2015 survey, four out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Thames & Kosmos was their best-selling brand of STEM toys.

The KT06 kit contains 6 Cubelets and is a great way to get started with modular robotics. With KT06, you can create simple mobile and reactive Cubelet robots.

Features five evolved Nanos, sporting new looks, with three rubber spines on their backs, as well as a new system of tubular tracks that highlight the Nano V2’s unique multi-level climbing abilities. The Nano V2 can climb through tubes on its feet or on its back, and can pass another bug in a single tube to avoid a traffic jam. It can even flip to its feet when landing on its back on an open flat surface. Compatible with all other V2 sets.

The Strandbeast XL is 50% larger than the original Strandbeast, and features a mesmerizing eight-legged walking mechanism that gives it a graceful, smooth-walking stride. Includes a dual-channel remote control that allows the user to independently operate each side of the Strandbeast’s legs. HEXBUG Strandbeast XL is compliant with CPSIA standards.

Unleash creativity with an educational, entertaining, and useful 3D printer. Choose from hundreds of thousands of free, predesigned, and ready-to-print educational, entertaining, and useful 3D models on Thingiverse. For even more design possibilities, pair the MakerBot Replicator Mini with the MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner.
Awards: 2014 TDmonthly Top Toy Debut Award

Kinematics is a modular robotic construction kit, consisting of kinetic modules and adaptor blocks, which can be connected freely and without the use of cables. Kinematics is suitable for children from the age of 5 years and upwards, and with no computer skills being necessary, they may build interactive robots which have the ability to move. Exploring and playing with the Kinematic Blocks introduces children to the world of mechanics, sensors and renewable energy. The construction kit is a highly entertaining and useful teaching tool with an intuitive interface. The adaptor blocks enable Kinematics to be connected to other leading construction kits.